For the first time in two years, a dead crow with West Nile virus has been found in Northeastern Public Health territory.
Manager of environmental health Suzanne Lajoie says it’s impossible to say where the crow was bitten by a mosquito, because they’re both so transient. The mosquito picks up the virus from the bird and passes it to a human.
Lajoie says symptoms are like a cold: a rash, fever, and body aches. In rare cases, there is inflammation of the brain.
“You may never know you have it until you get those worst symptoms, says Lajoie. “But for the most part, people remain asymptomatic and never know they have it.”
Prevention is how you can avoid contracting the virus. Lajoie says preventing mosquito bites is the same as for ticks.
“Light-coloured clothing, long sleeves, long pants, shoes, socks, especially when you’re outdoors from dusk to dawn.”
Lajoie says insect repellent is also called for.
Check your home’s windows and doors to ensure there’s no way for a mosquito to get in, keep your birdbath clean, and make sure there’s no standing water in your yard, in an old tire for example.
